I am not surprised about the huge profits of Betting Shops. I've kept account of nearly all my horse racing betting (even the tiny ones) since the mid 1970's and to be honest I ended up ahead in only two years since, one being last year and mainly due to Rachel Blackmore. I know little about X-Channel Football, but I've managed to show a profit for each year. But, bottom line is overall I've been running at a loss. Fortunately, I use betting only for fun.
But, odds on X-Channel Football Draws have decreased much over the years. Bookies seem to spend a fortune now on advertising and upgrading their shops with bling, colour, free goddawful coffee, comfortable furniture, longer opening hours, heating, "Daily Specials," paper sheets of football matches, etc. The mug customer is pretty well superglued to the inside once he/she has entered. Back in the 70's it was a cold concrete floor and a grouch of a betting clerk greeted you.